Teaching your kid to read isn’t just about learning the different sounds of the language, or making sure your child reads at least 3 books a day.
Matthew Scott, head of Pre-school Courses at the British Council, points out the most common mistakes parents make when teaching their little ones to read, and shows you what to do instead.
Related: 7 things you should know about reading to babies and toddlers
You miss out on pre-reading
Before you and your child start reading, give her a chance to predict what happens in the story.
Ask her questions about the cover picture and the title of the story, such as “What do you think happens in this story?”.
Having your child use prior knowledge helps her understand content better.
You skip re-reading
Re-reading the same story is always a good idea. The more you read a story, the more confident and familiar your child will become with the words.
Related: 10 ways to help your kid get more out of reading
You ask too few questions
Questions allow you to assess if your child understands what’s being read, but bear in mind not to interrupt their fluency with too many questions.
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You correct every mistake
Keep a record of words they stumble over. If a common pattern emerges, you can return to correcting it later.
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You over-pitch the level
Choose a text that is suited to your child. Turn to the back of the book, where a recommended age group is usually indicated. If the level exceeds her ability, she may become demoralised.
Related: Toddler doesn’t like reading? Here’s what you should do
You stick to the same topics
Children often have their favourite topics, but don’t be afraid to gently steer them towards other areas. Start with exploring similar topics, such as moving from dinosaurs to marine animals.
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You interrupt your child
If she struggles to read a word, give her time to get it right.
Related: 10 ways to make learning Mandarin fun for toddlers and preschoolers
You ignore illustrations
These guide your child’s understanding of, and interest in, a story.
You put the book down quickly
After completing a story, take the opportunity to ask your child a few questions and ask her what she enjoyed about it.
You overlook the voices of characters
When speech occurs in the story, vary your tone. This makes a story feel more alive.